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New Jaguar XE will get the V6 engine from the F-Type

The new Jaguar XE (pictured) will get the F-Type’s V6 We’re expecting the Jaguar XE – Jaguar’s new smaller saloon aimed at the BMW 3-Series – to arrive at the Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale in 2015 after Jaguar revealed the first official details on the XE at the Geneva Motor Show this month. Jaguar were a little vague on detail, although they did confirm the XE would come with aluminium underpinnings – a first for the sector and to be shared with the new Jaguar SUV when that arrives – and offer Jaguar’s new range of 4-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. But what Jaguar also said is that there will be a range-topping XE capable of 186 mph, which seemed a bit of a stretch for a 4-cylinder engine, however good.

Japan automakers extend shutdowns as quake impact widens

Japan's seven big automakers are extending nationwide production shutdowns amid growing concern about supply chain interruptions, power shortages and export difficulties following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hammered northern Japan, killing thousands. Toyota Motor Corp., one of the few automakers with a major manufacturing presence in the quake zone, suspended all manufacturing--at both assembly and parts plants--on Monday and extended the shutdown through at least Wednesday as an added precaution. The company will lose output of roughly 40,000 vehicles over the three-day period, spokesman Dion Corbett said.

Kia Motors appoints Peter Schreyer as President

Kia Motors has appointed the man who changed their design – former VW man Perter Schreyer – as President. When Peter Schreyer left VW in 2006 after a sparkling career that saw him establish the Audi design philosophy – still a hallmark of Audi design – to head up design at stodgy Kia, many in the industry thought it an odd move. But Peter Schreyer seemed keen to prove his worth after VW had passed him over to head up their new design studio, and Kia offered the prospect of turning a budget brand in to a mainstream force with cutting edge designs and, it would seem, a pretty free hand to do what it would take.